Christmas Parade and Blue Santa!

12-2-11

This was an awesome year for the Blue Santa float at the parade this year. We had our snow machine and lights on our trailer and an incredible new Santa chair. The best part was that Cayden rode on the float with us! We debated on whether or not to take him, but decided to give it a try. I bought him heavy duty ear muffs and a really thick winter hat to wear to muffle the sounds. With his auditory sensory processing disorder, we were really concerned that he may not make it through the parade. Even though there were loud sounds, our police sirens didn’t get used too much, so it helped. He did have some meltdowns, but we got him through it and he enjoyed himself. He was even dancing and waving to people!

12-10-11
Blue Santa wrap day -we had such wonderful help this year and were able to get all but four of our 110 families gifts wrapped! Here is a small sampling of the completed gift bags.

12-17-11
Blue Santa delivery day – everyone’s favorite thing was a huge success this year! We delivered to 25 excited families! (The rest of the families opted to pick up their gifts the following day.) The police chief drove the bear cat from the SWAT team to lead our caravan and we had several officers come out in patrol cars to be a part of this awesome day and help with traffic control. The snow machine was at use again sending out snow around town and delighting kids and adults alike. It is my absolute favorite thing to see all the lights and sirens blaring as we make our way house to house throughout the city. Well, okay, maybe it is the second favorite thing because the absolute best is the smiles and tears on the families faces as they get their gifts. One sweet little boy was surprised with a bike and the smile on his face couldn’t have been bigger. He couldn’t stop smiling…and moments like that remind everyone why we do what we do. (Click the last picture to see more…more pictures will be added soon.)

-Tami

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